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Back when I was first learning how to paint with real watercolors (about 8th grade), we had an assignment in my french class. I'm not sure what it had to do with speaking the French language, but I loved it all the same: we had to replicate a french impressionist work of art. I chose an obscure Monet piece. As I was looking through and discovering artists of the French impressionism, Monet really struck a chord with me. I became just slightly obsessed.

A painting I did at the ripe old age of 13

Funny story, not long after I discovered my obsession with Monet I found out I needed glasses. BADLY. My mom and dad joked that my poor eyesight was the reason why I related to Monet's impressionist style so readily. They were probably on to something. Or perhaps it was something about the impressionist movement that made real moments and landscapes so beautiful and breathtaking.

Since learning more about art and art history Monet still has a place in my heart, but I've grown to love all kinds of artists. Right now I'm totally digging on these fantastic artists:

• Claire Desjardins
• Ashley Goldberg
• Yves Klein
• Lulie Wallace
• Joan Miro
• Helen Covensky
• Alexander Calder

Even now, as I look back through the paintings I'm most proud of (interesting how most of them happen to be at my parents' house) I find that each of them have a very painterly approach.  Perhaps this is a coincidence because of the style of the first artist I ever loved? Throwing paint isn't always my go-to technique, but it's fun to do. There's something about the almost childlike or (this is such a 'po-mo' term I hate to say it but it's true) visceral experience of the controlled chaos of making an image with bold brushwork. Who was the first artist you ever loved? I would love to hear your stories! Let's talk art, today.

Do you have an iPad? You can access Art.com's Art Circles app where you can discover more art via curators (yours truly is on there), style, color and words. The app is absolutely stunning, free, great inspiration for your home and for getting your art on. If you don't have an iPad, you can find my art picks at my You+Art profile page.